An old TV series which I Iove is “One Man and His Dog”. It’s a competition between shepherds in sheepdog trials. The dogs, invariably Border Collies, seem to have a telepathic connection with their master, instantly knowing what he wants. The objective is to fetch a small flock of sheep and drive them over a course into a fold, within a time limit. Breeding instinct helps, but patient training over months and years is needed. Many shepherds guide their dogs with a whistle, to which they’re instantly obedient. Brief Morse code-like groups of short and long blasts tell the dog to move left or right, go on or stay back.
The teamwork and skill of shepherd and dogs is astonishing, a complete contrast to an amusing spectacle I occasionally see. I’m fortunate that my road is a cul-de-sac and 20 yards from the front door are several acres of grassy parkland. Paths lead to other paths and greens, where I go jog-walking most mornings. Large numbers of people go dog-walking too, and I’ve got to recognise many regulars: “Scotty-dog man”, “Labrador lady” and others. Many let their dogs run free, throwing balls for them to retrieve. Frequently, I’m entertained watching a problem: an owner just can’t get his (it’s usually a man) dog to return. Fido is having too much fun with doggy friends. The battle of wills can last for some time. When shouting doesn’t work, in desperation he starts whistling (perhaps he’s viewed “One Man and His Dog”), but that’s ignored too. Maybe he thinks whistling is a magic sound that will compel obedience in dogs, but the hapless owner’s whistle has no impact at all. Apparently it hasn’t occurred to him that hours of patient training (for man and well as dog) are needed before his whistle works.
“One Man and His Dog” tells us that sheepdogs enjoy what they do. Shepherds agree on this. Their dogs feel valued, they’re important team members. They love their master or mistress, and want to please them. They’re secure and happy with an owner they trust. The work is physically hard but they like it – it’s a worthwhile task they can do – retrieving sheep better than retrieving a ball, and they’re always complimented on a job well done. Different dogs are trained to their own unique whistle sounds, so a shepherd can work two dogs at the same time, they won’t respond to the other’s call, only to their own.
Well, you can see where this is going can’t you: what’s true for sheepdogs is true for people. You might dream of an endless holiday: cool drinks under a warm sun, no responsibilities, lazing by a pool, dozing off in the afternoon . . . well, that’s all right in moderation. Holidays are fine as long as they come to an end, because in reality we need meaningful work to be happy. Endless entertainment palls. A surfeit of leisure drifts to languish and decay. Unlimited screen time with mindless games or social media saps the soul. The discipline to obey commandments from our shepherd is the only way to lasting happiness. We need a shepherd to trust, and we need to recognise his whistle. Our shepherd is Jesus Christ who, in fact, frequently spoke about lambs and sheep. “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” he said (John 10:27). Things go badly wrong if we fail to hear the voice or follow the wrong whistle. Like sheepdogs, recognising the Master’s call develops with training, practice and experience. As Joseph Smith said:
Nothing is a greater injury to the children of men than to be under the influence of a false spirit when they think they have the Spirit of God (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 205)
The voice of the spirit seems more difficult to hear for some than others. Yet we’re all born with the Spirit of Christ, a sense of right and wrong, truth and untruth. So we all have the potential, and we can build on it. Metaphors, like parables break down if we push them too far of course: people aren’t actually sheep or dogs. Unlike sheepdogs, we can study and pray, seek knowledge and understanding. We have to choose to be trained and guided. Jesus said:
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. (Matthew 7:7-8)
Unlike sheepdogs or sheep, we have a choice whether or not to follow promptings we receive, or commandments we get when we knock. The Master’s voice. is a still, small voice. It’s seldom so loud that agency is overwhelmed. We will always be allowed to choose the path we walk, but the path He offers will always, invariably, without question, be the best alternative. We should follow it when It’s shown to us, no ifs, buts or maybes.
As David says his famous Psalm:
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;
thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. (Psalm 23)
